NFL Mock Draft v1.0

1. Detroit Lions - Matt Stafford, QB (Georgia)
This pick makes too much sense not to happen for a number of reasons. First of all, the Lions have a bunch of scrubs at QB. Culpepper has been terrible since he left the Vikings, Orlovsky is completely mediocre and has poor field awareness and Drew Stanton couldn't beat either guy out despite being a high draft pick. They need an overhaul at the most important position on offense. Secondly, they have a player with HOF potential in Calvin Johnson. He's a monster, and already a top 5 receiver in the league. You need to play to the strengths of your best players, and Johnson's strength is the deep ball. Sanchez doesn't have comparable arm strength to Stafford, who has a cannon attatched to his right shoulder. Third, the glamour pick will be the option for W.C. Ford. Shirt sales will help owners get through this economic slump, and Stafford will sell more shirts than anyone else available. Finally, Stafford himself has all the tools to be a top QB. Good accuracy on deep and intermediate routes, good mobility and awareness and good intangibles. Add to that he started for a number of years in a tougher conference than Sanchez, he's a virtual lock in my eyes.

2. St. Louis Rams - Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
This assumes that Orlando Pace is not traded before the draft, as rumours would suggest is a possibility. Thee Rams need a tackle to replace Orlando Pace eventually. However, they can wait one year in my opinion. Pace is still a competent tackle when healthy, and they can pick up a RT prospect later on in the draft. However, Torry Holt could well be moved prior to the Draft too, and is declining anyway. Donnie Avery showed good skills as a rookie and stretched the field well. Crabtree would be a great compliment, a big, tough receiver with soft hands and good route running skills. He's a big target in the endzone too.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Mark Sanchez, QB (USC)
The Chiefs had Tyler Thigpen play well towards the end of the season, but I doubt they continue with the spread offense they employed with him next season. They'll look to continue transitioning, and that will require a franchise QB. Sanchez has outstanding accuracy and good mobility in the pocket. He doesn't have a rocket arm, but he has decent long ball ability nonetheless. Personally, I'd take BJ Raji at this point, or try and trade down. Don't see that happening though. There's also the possibility that the Chiefs try to transition to th3 3-4 with Pioli calling the shots, in which case they could try to deal Glenn Dorsey for an extra first, but I believe they have the young pieces to continue with a 4-3.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
With Crabtree gone, Seattle will look to replace Walter Jones. Smith is the highest rated tackle in the class by draft guru Mike Mayock, though personally I think Eugene Monroe is better. Still, either one makes sense.

5. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
Cleveland were awful defensively last season. Eric Mangini will look to solve that. Willie McGinest and Andra Davis could both be leaving the club this offseason, and Aaron Curry could project to fill either hole. He's the best linebacker in this class, and the Browns need depth there badly. They won't take a tackle with so much money invested in Joe Thomas (and the fact that Thomas is already a top LT), and they have a good young core with Quinn and the inconsistent Edwards. If Winslow stays, he'll be an asset too. The defense is the priority, that's why Curry is the pick.


6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
Virginia has provided D'Brickshaw Ferguson and Brandon Albert, both above average LTs. Monroe could be as good as, if not better than, both. The Bengals have a lot of money tied up in Carson Palmer, and after all the injuries he's sustained in the last few years they have to protect him better. They are one of only 2 teams in the top 10 who you could say has a true franchise Quarterback. That is a valuable commodity in today's NFL, ad when you have one you have to protect him. The defense is abysmal too and any of the defensive players on the board would improve them, but Monroe carries too much value to ignore here.

7. Oakland Raiders - BJ Raji, DT (Boston College)
The Raiders need a solid DT to replace what Warren Sapp gave them. Without him the defensive line has lacked any constant pressure through the middle. I thought they should have taken Dorsey last year, but Raji will do the job just as well as Dorsey would have. He's big and has a great motor, and should compliement Tommy Kelly well. The issue with the pick though is that so much money is already tied up in the defensive line that Al Davis may not want to expend a high draft pick on it as well. It also remains to be seen whether he falls in love with one of the elite athletes at the Combine (Everette Brown, Brian Orakpo, Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin are prime candidates).

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
The Jags need a tackle, as they had their depth at that position decimated last off season. Khalif Barnes isn't very good, and both Andre Smith and Michael Oher can come in and already be an improvement. Both Smith and Oher are versatile and can play on either side of the line, but I think the difference between the 2 may be run blocking. Smith is bigger and a better run blocker, though that area is also Oher's strength. Smith struggles to pick up the speed rush on occasion, which could be a problem against Dwight Freeney, Mario Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch, but he will make huge holes for Maurice Jones-Drew to scamper through.

9. Green Bay Packers - Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
As a Packer fan I'm slightly wary of the decision to move Aaron Kampman to rush OLB. He is similar in size and build to Mike Vrabel, but after playing every year of his career in the NFL as a DE I'm slightly concerned about his ability to drop into coverage. Still, he should still be a good rusher and be stout against the run. The problem the Packers have is that they have only 1 true DE and 1 OLB for the system. Tyson Jackson is a perfect 3-4 DE, but this seems a bit high when there are more talented players on the board. Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin and Brian Orakpo are all possibilities as rush linebackers, as is Malcolm Jenkins as a corner. I like Brown the most of the 4, but that could change depending on Combine performances.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Oher, OT
The 49ers have Joe Staley, who is a very solid tackle. He played on the right side in his first year in the league, and switched to the left side with decent success last year. Oher could be a great bookend, and he can also play on either side having played his frehsman year on the right before switching left for 3 years. New full time Coach Mike Singletary wants the 49ers to be a traditional smashmouth running team, and Oher fits the bill well. He and Staley are going to be able to punch a lot of holes for All Pro running back Frank Gore.

11. Buffalo Bills - Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
The Bills fell apart after a good start. It's tough to see one glaring reason why, but the injuries to Trent Edwards and his subsequent poor play combined with the anaemic pass rush were two of the main factors. This team seems to be built well already, but adding a pass rusher like Orakpo to a front that includes Aaron Schobel and Marcus Stroud would greatly improve the ability of the team to get pressure on the opposing QBs and make the jobs of the CBs easier. Another option could be trading down for one of the second tier tackles on the board, or trying to move up. Jason Peters somehow made the Pro Bowl despite a weak year.

12. Denver Broncos - Rey Mauluga, LB (USC)
The Broncos will be changing to the 3-4, seemingly a vogue move in the NFL right now. They have very, very few players that actually fit that system. They have no real NT, as DeWayne Robertson is a scrub. Their best pass rusher, Elvis Dumervil, is undersized as a DE and it remains to be seend whether he has the range to play OLB. They have to undergo a rehaul at basically every defensive position. Mauluga is a good piece to build around, a rangy inside linebacker who hits like a train. He can be the leader of the new defense, and should improve a routinely horrific unit.

13. Washington Redskins - Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
DeAngelo Hall is a free agent this offseason, and may be too expensive for the Redskins. Vontae Davis has the physical tools to be a shutdown corner, and can provide the Skins with a potential lockdown corner. Their other option would be a pass rusher, but at this point there isn't a player who can be an effective 4-3 end.

14. New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
Jenkins is a more polished corner than Davis, but lacks the top end speed of the Illinois product. He would form a formiddable young CB duo with last year's second round pick Tracy Porter, and would help shore up what has been a weakness for the Saints for many years, the secondary. They could also look to improve at linebacker here, with Jonathan Vilma a free agent.

15. Houston Texans - Brian Cushing, LB (USC)
I hadn't considered this until seeing it on a few mock drafts recently, but Cushing would be a good fit in Houston. He would add to a good linebacking unit and has ability to rush the passer as well. There are no safeties worth this kind of pick in the draft since Taylor Mays went back to USC, and so Cushing would be a good pick to improve the Houston defense.

16. San Diego Chargers - Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
Jackson is a very solid, seemingly under rated player. Igor Olshansky dropped off somewhat last year and is a free agent this year, so Jackson could be a direct replacement for him. The Chargers have the equivalent of 2 first rounders next year with Shawne Merriman returning. The defense, which under achieved this year, could well be back to the elite unit it was in past years.

17. New York Jets - Chris Wells, RB (Ohio State)
Thomas Jones had a nice year, but he is over 30 years old at this point. For running backs, it is all downhill from here. Leon Washington offers a nice scatback option, but Chris 'Beanie' Wells could be the Jets back for the next 10 years. He's big, fast and fits the Jets well. Behind a much improved line he'd be very dangerous. A dark horse pick here is Josh Freeman, the cannon armed Kansas State product.

18. Chicago Bears - Michael Johnson, DE (Georgia Tech)
The Bears could go with a receiver here, as Maclin and Harvin are both gamebreaking talents. Devin Hester made progress as a receiver last year, and the Bears like what Matt Forte offered them, so I see that as a slim possibility. However, the usually excellent Bears pass rush wasn't as good as it has been. Michael Johnson has outrageous physical tools, and could be a top level DE.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
Cadillac Williams has injured his other knee, and despite his obvious talent he just can't be relied on to stay injury free. Warrick Dunn is a good back and a great pro, but he's getting on and can't be the primary option. Earnest Graham is a decent player, but Moreno has a chance to be a top RB. He's very fast and despite being slightly shorter and lighter than Chris Wells, he is by no means Darren Sproles. Josh Freeman is a possibility here with Raheem Morris wanting to establish a new offensive identity, but it remains to be seen how much they like their pick last year, Josh Johnson.

20. Detroit Lions - Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
Britton played well for Arizona at left tackle, and he allows Detroit to follow the model of the Atlanta Falcons. They add a left tackle and a quarterback to a team with a legitimate #1 receiver already in place. This could be a much improved offense next year, with Gosder Cherilus playing quite well on the right side and Kevin Smith having a respectable first year. Jeff Backus could play well at guard too, despite obvious deficiencies as a tackle.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - William Beatty, OT (Connecticut)
Philadelphia face losing both starting tackles this year, and must improve the offensive line anyway. It's not implausible that they will use both first round picks on linemen, and the best one available at this point is Beatty. Though he doesn't have the size Andy Reid prototypically loves, he is a very solid player that could make an immediate impact.

22. Minnesota Vikings - Hakeem Nicks, WR (North Carolina)
I think this pick is a wash, because the Vikings will send it to New England for Matt Cassell. Failing that, I see them taking Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is a physical, productive receiver who runs good routes. I realise that Josh Freeman is a popular pick at this point, but I don't see the Vikings wanting to acquire another project QB when they already have Tavaris Jackson stinking up the joint. Nicks would at least make Jackson's job easier.

23. New England Patriots - Aaron Maybin, OLB (Penn State)
The Patriots took a linebacker in the first round last year and it paid off spectacularly. Adding Aaron Maybin would make the Patriots linebackers as imidating as they were 2/3 years ago, with Adalius Thomas back in the mix after injury and the collection of seasoned veterans NE always seems to have, such as Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi.

24. Atlanta Falcons - Brandon Pettigrew, TE (OK State)
Matt Ryan had a great first year, and would only benefit from adding a tight end who can block and catch equally as well. Pettigrew could be for Ryan what Witten is for Romo or what Tony Gonzalez has been for all of the Chiefs QBs since he's been in the league. They have a real need for a NT, but I feel they can address that later on in the draft with guys like Ron Brace available later on.

25. Miami Dolphins - Larry English, OLB (N Illinois)
Larry English projects as a good 3-4 OLB rush linebacker. He has good measurables and by all accounts outstanding intangibles. Bill Parcells looks for winners and leaders. English seems like a perfect fit with this team. He can learn across from Joey Porter before taking over from him in a few years.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
Heyward-Bey is 6'2" tall and ran the 100 and 200m at high school. He is a physical specimen, and would provide another weapon for Joe Flacco to use. This pick could well be spent on a linebacker, with guys like James Laurinaitis, Clay Matthews and Clint Sintim all still being available. The Ravens will struggle to resign Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs as well, but for now I'll go with the offensive threat and see how the situation with their free agents plays out.

27. Indianapolis Colts - Peria Jerry, DT (Mississippi)
Jerry is a mobile tackle who would fit well in the Colts system. The Colts struggled against the run once again last year and would benefit from having another body in the middle of the line. They could look at receiver here with talents like Maclin and Harvin still available, but I think the new head coach will look to shore up the defense before adding to the already productive offense.

28. Philadelphia Eagles - Herman Johnson, OG (LSU)
Andy Reid loves big linemen, as already discussed. They don't come much bigger than 6'7", 382 pound Herman Johnson. Despite a shaky showing at the Senior Bowl, he could win back some fans at the Combine. He could possibly play several positions on the line as well.

29. New York Giants - Clay Matthews, OLB (USC)
The Giants loved showing different looks to the QB under Steve Spagnuolo, and figure to do the same under their new defensive co-ordinator. With Osi Umenyiora returning, Mathias Kiwanuka could slide back to OLB. However, Matthews is another hybrid OLB/DE who can rush the passer and drop back into coverage schemes. He seems to be a perfect Giant player.

30. Tennessee Titans - James Laurinaitis, MLB (Ohio State)
I thought about having Percy Harvin here, as the Titans clearly like game breaking speed on their offense. However, with the Titans being a team that relies on running the football and stout defense, when an upgrade at MLB is available I don't think they'll pass it up. Little Animal would look good behing Haynesworth and next to Bulluck, and would make an already intimidating defense even better.

31. Arizona Cardinals - LeSean McCoy, RB (Pittsburgh)
When Arizona re-established the run during the playoffs, they looked a much more complete and dangerous team. Edge has already stated his intention to leave this summer, so the team will need a new back to compliment Tim Hightower, who proved he could not carry the load on his own. LeSean McCoy is a very good back who should be able to compliment Hightower and recreate the rushing threat for the Cardinals.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Alex Mack, C (Cal)
Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 46 times in 16 games last year. When you spend $100m on a Quarterback, you cannot let him take that much of a beating, whether he's built like a linebacker or a kicker. Justin Hartwig, fresh off his Superbowl safety, needs to be upgraded as does much of the Steelers line. Alex Mack is an excellent player and could be a top center in the NFL very soon.

Rounds 2 and 3 to come soon.